An In-Depth Look at Ashley Graham, America’s Plus-Size Sweetheart
Love her or loathe her, Ashley Graham is as popular as ever. Though she has her share of critics and naysayers, Graham is appreciated by a large fan base who admire her work in the fashion industry. In this article, we’ll explore what Ashley Graham is all about, why she’s become such a popular figure and how she is impacting the body positivity movement.
Who Is Ashley Graham?
If you don’t know who Ashley Graham is, it’s about time you get familiar! Ashley Graham is an American plus-size model and designer who made her modeling debut in 2001. Graham is best known for working with companies like Lane Bryant, Target, Vogue, and H&M, as well as appearing in numerous high-end fashion shows.
Graham is also an author, body-positive advocate, and fashion entrepreneur. She recently released her first children’s book, “A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, And Power Really Look Like,” which explores themes such as self-love and self-acceptance.
Graham’s Impact on the Body Positive Movement
In recent years, Ashley Graham has become an advocate for body positivity. She is vocal about her own body issues, and the pressure society puts on the beauty standard of women.
Graham has become a role model for numerous young women around the world. Not only is she vocal about the importance of loving your body and accepting yourself, but many of her clothing lines prove her commitment to making fashion accessible to people of all sizes.
Graham has also brought awareness to the fact that plus-size models are often left out of professional modeling opportunities. She has spoken out on this matter and advocated for the inclusion of plus-size models on the runway and in industries such as print, advertising, and fashion.
Graham’s Contributions to the Fashion Industry
It’s no secret that Ashley Graham has made waves in the fashion industry. She has fronted numerous major brands and posed in editorials for Vogue, Elle, and other luxury magazines.
Graham is also the first curvy woman to be featured on the cover of the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and the first-ever plus-size model to appear in a Levi’s Jeans campaign.
Graham’s work has translated into financial success as well. In 2019, Forbes listed Graham as one of the highest-paid models and ranked her as the eighth-highest-paid model with estimated earnings of $6 million.
Ashley Graham Clothing Line
Graham has also made a name for herself in the fashion industry through her eponymous clothing line. She launched her clothing line in 2017 and since then, has released several collections with multiple retailers. The Ashley Graham collection is reasonably priced and available in a wide range of sizes.
The collections consist of an array of basics, separates, and accessories. Graham has indicated that her goal is to make the line easily incorporateable into anyone’s wardrobe and make it easy to transition from the office to dinner in style.
Graham also has styled several celebrities and appeared as a judge on the hit TV show “America’s Next Top Model.”
Ashley Graham’s Legacy
Having been in the limelight for almost two decades, Ashley Graham has become an international celebrity with a large fanbase, and her work in the fashion industry is still growing. Despite having her share of critics, Graham has managed to make significant strides in the body-positive movement and for the inclusion of plus-sized models.
She has proven that the fashion industry does not have to be exclusive to stick-thin models and that fashion is for everyone. Through her clothing line, Ashley Graham has dedicated her career to providing stylish clothing for people of all sizes.
Though Graham has pushed the industry in a desirable direction and is an inspiration to millions of people around the world, her work is by no means over. Graham continues to work on inspiring women to be proud of their curves, to flaunt their beauty, and to remain fearless no matter what anyone else says.